Ray Ostrom
April 28, 1946 – March 29, 2019
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by passing of former Active Supporter Ray Ostrom on Friday, March 29, 2019, at the age of 72 years.
The art of making chuckwagons is not something that readily comes to mind with the fans of chuckwagon racing. However, it has probably been one of the biggest evolutions that the sport has quietly improved on over the past 20 years. Ray turned a hobby into a full-time occupation. He became known not only as the “Wagon Builder,” but was recognized as a master of his craft.
Ray got his first taste of wagon building in the early 1960’s when he built his own pony chuckwagon to race on the local Saskatchewan circuit. Little did he know that this was the seed that would one day grow and become bigger than he ever could have imagined. He built his first “Big” wagon in the early 1980’s, and according to Ostrom, “it just snowballed from there.” Unlike many of the other wagon makers, Ray built everything from the wheel hubs (which were usually only available from the Amish in the USA), the spokes, and 100% of the running gear.
Ray never thought he would see the day when four of his chuckwagons would race against each other, in the same heat, at the Calgary Stampede GMC Rangeland Derby. It happened for the first time in 2004 and many times since.
Ray will be sadly missed by his wife Lorraine of 48 years, his 2 daughters: Roxanne (Allen) Dunham and Raelene (George) Mercer and 5 grandkids (Quintin, Cassady, Courtney, Phoenix and Raiden). As per Ray’s wishes, a celebration of life and a brief program will be held on Saturday May 11, 2019 at Ray and Lorraine’s acreage at 2 p.m. Afterward please stay and join us to share a hot or cold beverage and stories with family and friends (this will be a covered, outside event, please dress accordingly). Email: [email protected] for directions, to send messages, photos, videos or well wishes.
The Ostrom family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at the Biggar hospital, specifically Dr. Muller for his attentiveness and loving care. Memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice in memory of Ray Ostrom. We will always carry your memory in our hearts. Arrangements in care of MARTENS WARMAN FUNERAL HOME (306-934-4888).
Ray will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Ostrom family.
Billy Melville
